But Jenkins insists the club were left with little choice. In his programme notes ahead of Swansea's derby against Cardiff on Saturday, he said: "Sometimes our board of directors have difficult decisions to make.

"This week's decision was one of the hardest we've had to make because the stakes are so high. Changing a manager mid-season is not always a wise choice unless, of course, there is good cause and solid reason.

"Collectively as a board we assessed every aspect surrounding the way our first-team staff and squad was working on a day-to-day basis.

"Without going into detail, it was clear to all of our directors that the strong principles we have had at Swansea City over the last 10 years were slowly being eroded.

"Only time will tell whether the timing was right, but in the end we had to get back to basics for the betterment of Swansea City.

"We need to work as one with a strong belief that we can compete with everyone in everything we do."